Don and I are both in our early 40s. Whe have been married for almost 20 years and although we have the odd disagreement I wouldn't change a thing. My name is Charlotte and we have been living in this house for the last 15 years. My husband works in a steel foundry, and I work as a waitress in a restaurant. We have a core group of friends we have known for most of 15 years. Our house seems to be the focal point for Don's friends from the foundry to congregate to watch football and baseball games and sometimes just to watch a DVD. We have a furnished basement with a 60 inch LCD TV and a bar down there and we have plenty of room. Being in a basement cuts down the noise sometimes when the cheering gets loud.
There are six of Don's friends that meet regularly here for poker nights once a week. They are a bit rough around the edges and are always saying things that aren't politically correct, but I love them like brothers. We have been through thick and thin together. We seem to be able to talk about anything together without any problems. They have shared their problems with everything from illness to divorce with me. When I had a miscarriage with my first child and found out I couldn't have any more kids they all cried along with me, hugged me and got me through a tough time. Some people would be shocked at the topics that come up, like the one night stands they had and the best sex positions. I am used to that. They seem to treat me like one of guys most of the time. You could also count on them to help you if you needed a garage built or a sidewalk leveled.
This poker night the guys and my husband were playing cards and I was mainly bringing them snacks and drinks.
Henry piped up, "Man that lady I fucked last night was hot. Great tits! though not as nice as yours Charlotte!" I took it all in stride. Henry was divorced and being burned once, he didn't want any long term relationships. Whoever he could pick up at the bar for a night was good enough for him.
I guess I should tell you about myself. I am certainly not skinny but I keep myself in pretty good shape. My measurements are 38-25-38 and I have a DD cup bra. I am also six feet tall! Even when I was tending bar I could always handle men. Usually all it took was a look and they backed down.
"You couldn't handle a real woman Henry! Whip it out and let's see what you have to work with!" I laughed. Everyone knew this was just harmless flirting and no one would dare cross that line. I bent over to offer a drink to Wayne and saw Garth through the corner of my eye pretending to pat my ass. "You touch that Garth and you'll get a black eye! Lookout or I'll tell your wife!" Everybody laughed and he withdrew his hand sheepishly. As I said, it was just all in fun. No one had ever grabbed my ass. I didn't think of this as sexual harrassment, I actually enjoyed our banter. These guys were harmless, unlike some guys I served at the restaurant. There I did get my ass slapped occasionally. I never told Don.
The game ended early and I asked if they wanted to watch something on TV. They needed to sober up a bit before they went home.
Eric said "Don, why don't you put on that tape of Charlotte stripping you made about two years ago?"
I looked at Don with a look that could kill. I had made that video for a Christmas present for Don. I had rented an HD camera and tripod for a weekend and made it for him. He had wanted Boudoir pictures but always the cheapskate I wanted to save money and this was the compromise. Besides I wasn't ready to get undressed in front of a photographer, male or female. I wouldn't even wear a two piece bathing suit for God's sake! "Don Dear, can I see you in the other room?" The guys laughed knowing what Don was in for.
"What the hell were you thinking telling Eric about that?" I said turning red.
"I was drunk at the time and I guess I was just bragging about how lucky I was. I don't remember the exact details, that was a year ago. I am really sorry. Don't worry, the video is locked in our floor safe nice and secure."
"Still, I don't like the idea of them even knowing it exists. They will tease me to death to see it."
"Since when do you mind a little teasing?" Don asked humbly.
"Good point. I guess I will let you live a little longer." I chuckled.
When we came back into the basement everybody carried on as if nothing had happened and We watched a DVD and I served them coffee. They left shortly after.
My favorite niece was getting married in Australia and Don and I were trying to figure out how at least I could get to go.
"That knee replacement of mine killed all our savings and that winter vacation has maxed out our credit cards. I really would rather not go into any more debt. If you went to Australia the airfare alone would be at least $2000 economy, and that doesn't even include hotels and meals." Don said.
"I know, but it is still disappointing. I had promised that if she ever got married I would be there." I replied.
Next week our six friends were back for their poker game.
Eric piped up "Sure you wouldn't like to join us Charlotte? We could make it strip poker." he said with a grin on his face.
"I wouldn't want to show your inadequacies to all your friends" I laughed.
The phone rang and I grabbed it downstairs. It was my niece. "I am really sorry I can't make it to your wedding Wendy. The finances just aren't there right now." I continued to talk to her for another fifteen or so minutes then hung up.
"How much money would you need to go? Sorry for eavesdropping." Eric said.
"If I had another $2000 I could probably scrape up the rest of the money." I answered.
The six guys got into a huddle.
"We have a screwball idea that we have to clear with Don" Andy said and Don and Andy whispered back and forth. Don got a shocked look on his face and I overheard him say "That would totally be up to Charlotte. I can't see you talking her into it but I won't veto it."
Veto what, I thought, and what gave him veto power on anything I decided anyway.